Why fans should not enjoy India-Pakistan match: PCB chairman Ramiz Raja

Handpicked by his captain and now Prime Minister Imran Khan to run Pakistan cricket about six months ago, Ramiz Raja has done an eventful job. The win against India in the T20 World Cup, New Zealand's last-minute pull-out, the successful hosting of the PSL and the much-awaited tour of Australia - were not a dull moment for the PCB chairman. This week, Raja tried his most ambitious pitch at

the ICC Board Meeting, an annual four-nation Twenty20 tournament involving Pakistan, India, Australia and England. Since the BCCI is not interested in supporting the PCB proposal, Raja is not worried even if he faces a difficult task. In his chat with Sandeep Dwivedi, the former Pakistan captain talked about building cricket resources and becoming self-reliant.

Quotes

There are many positive aspects in Pakistan cricket since you took charge. A standout thing that you enjoy the most?

I am afraid that Pakistan will have to beat India in the (T20) World Cup. It was the effect of a wave on the mood of a fan. We saw something good happen after that moment, because the fans started believing in Pakistan cricket. That was kind of a turning point.

You got Australia to Pakistan, the New Zealand tour was the unfortunate bit. The big question now is a series against India, which hinges on many factors. What’s the plan ahead?

Whenever I talk about India and Pakistan, it’s not always as the chairman of a Cricket Board. But it’s the cricketer that comes out. And as a cricketer, I’ll say that politics can be set aside because why should the fans not enjoy India-Pakistan games. The numbers and the figures are there for everyone to see why it is still the best competition in the world. And the idea of a Four-Nation series (PCB is to purpose an annual T20 series involving India, Pakistan, England and Australia at ICC this week) stems from that very fact. And somehow, we’ve got to make it happen. And if not now, when? Because there are three ex-cricketers representing the Board. (Sourav Ganguly – India, Raja – Pakistan and Martin Snedden – New Zealand).

And I am not taking this forward as the PCB chairman, I am taking this idea forward as a member of the ICC board. It's not us versus them, it's us versus us. The latest great idea was the T20 World Cup, which was held in 2007. So nothing new has come up since the 2007 event, and here's a chance. This thing happens in rugby, so we have a precedent.

I just hope we see this concept as a cricket concept, not a political concept.

Whenever there is talk of India-Pakistan cricket, the BCCI says their hands are tied and it is the government's decision. So how can this idea work?

I hope the BCCI will take this idea back to the political arena and talk to the authorities about cricket. It's as simple as that. Let's not forget that I have the same kind of stress. The situation is no different than that horrible or terrible. I am taking this liberty without any government intervention in the interest of the game just to promote an idea like my own. If I could do that, I could get a shut-up call, I don't know. The point is, I'm going to take it anyway because as a cricketer I believe it should be.

Is it okay for your government to visit Pakistan or visit India or Pakistan or play in two neutral venues?

Obviously, we will ask for directions, we will cross the bridge in time. It will be just speculation now.

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